The Kinematics Dress from MoMA’s “Is Fashion Modern?” employs 3D modeling, 3D printing and laser cutting techniques. The material is laser-sintered nylon. The dress is made by interlocked components, and the structure is dynamic. Unlike traditional fabrics, this material is sturdy and cannot be cut by scissors. The shape of the dress is simple — it is fitted to waist and has uneven dress hem. This dress is included in the exhibition because it embraces new technology and is forward-looking. By making use of 3D printing technique, it helps spread and popularize the use of new technology.
As being said in the exhibition introduction, “fashion thrives on productive tensions between form and function, automation and craftsmanship, standardization and customization…” If the Industrial Revolution made standardization possible, then computing and digital modeling are making customization easier, and more affordable. Designers could have the measurements of the body and put it in computer, and the results would be accurate. In the meantime, it would save a lot of testing fabric that is being used in the traditional garment-making process. It would also save time on draping and pattern making.
Some may argue that technology is pushing fashion backward in the history because it loses the craftsmanship, and it is mass production. However, being more efficient is not a crime. It cannot be ignored that technology offers fashion world new approaches and possibilities. Economically, it expedites the making process and reduces costs on labor. Environmentally, more durable or echo-friendly materials are made possible by synthesizing or computing.
Technology does not promise a better-looking design though. The design may be a simple dress that showcases new techniques. A traditional hand-made garment may be much more fascinating to the viewer. However, this kinematics dress is presenting a new aesthetics — an architectural feeling, for example. It may or may not be popular in the future. But it is suggesting new ways of creating things. Both hand-made and digitally-made designs have their own strengths and their reasons to exist.